A New Year, Rooted in Gratitude
The start of a new year doesn’t have to mean reinventing yourself. Sometimes it simply means pausing long enough to be grateful—grateful for the journey God has walked you through and confident that He is still working all things for good. This Ranch Life reflection is about faith, gratitude, and letting others see Christ in you as you walk forward into a new season.
Southern Eggnog Bread Pudding with a Rich Holiday Sauce
This cozy eggnog bread pudding is baked in a creamy, spiced custard and finished with a warm rum sauce. A comforting Southern Christmas dessert that’s perfect for holiday gatherings and make-ahead baking.
Smoked Turkey on a Reverse-Flow Smoker (Competition-Style, Juicy Every Time)
Skip the messy brine and still get juicy, flavor-packed turkey! These no-brine smoked turkey breasts are injected with Creole butter marinade and slow-smoked to tender perfection. They’re simple, foolproof, and full of Southern flavor.
Cranberry Orange Coffee Cake (Ribbon Swirl Version Using Whole Berry Sauce)
This extra-moist Cranberry Orange Coffee Cake features a bright cranberry swirl, fresh orange flavor, and a buttery pecan streusel topping. It’s an easy make ahead holiday brunch recipe perfect for Christmas morning.
Classic Southern Sweet Potato Pie (With a Lemon Twist!)
This classic Southern Sweet Potato Pie gets its unforgettable flavor from one simple secret: a splash of lemon extract. Silky, smooth, and perfect for the holidays.
🥧 The Best Pumpkin Pie Recipe Ever (Cinnamon-Forward & Nutmeg Kissed)
A cinnamon-forward pumpkin pie with cozy nutmeg and a smooth, classic custard filling—it’s simple, timeless, and always a holiday favorite!
Blackwater BBQ: Award-Winning Competition BBQ with a Heart for Alabama
At Crooked Creek Ranch, BBQ is about more than food—it’s about serving others, sharing faith, and bringing people together. This post introduces Blackwater BBQ and the heart behind what we cook, from competition techniques to church and community tables.
🦃 Chocolate Turkey Cupcakes (Moist Greek Yogurt Chocolate Cupcakes!)
Moist Greek yogurt chocolate cupcakes filled with chocolate chips and topped with rich chocolate frosting become the cutest turkey cupcakes using simple candy decorations. These are a fun and easy Thanksgiving dessert idea for parties and school events.
🍗 The Best Southern Chicken & Dressing (Old-Fashioned, Moist, & Full of Flavor)
Moist, flavorful Southern Chicken & Dressing made with homemade broth, cream of celery soup, and tender boiled chicken. A true farmhouse classic!
Slow Cooker Vegetable Beef Soup (A Cold-Weather Classic from the Ranch)
This Slow Cooker Vegetable Beef Soup is a hearty, flavorful comfort food made easy! Packed with beef, potatoes, okra, shoepeg corn, and mixed vegetables simmered in a rich tomato beef broth.
Sweet Potato Praline Bread Pudding
This Sweet Potato Praline Bread Pudding is a rich, Southern-inspired dessert perfect for Thanksgiving. Layers of creamy sweet potatoes, buttery bread pudding, and a pecan praline topping come together for the ultimate holiday treat!
Skillet Cornbread (The Right Crust-to-Crumb Ratio)
This old-fashioned Southern skillet cornbread has the perfect crust-to-crumb ratio — crisp edges, tender middle, and rich buttery flavor. Made with self-rising cornmeal mix and baked in a 10-inch cast iron skillet.
Sugar-Crusted Pumpkin Spice Coffee Can Cakes
Old-fashioned pumpkin spice cakes baked in coffee cans — sugar-crusted on the outside, moist and perfectly spiced inside. A cozy holiday recipe inspired by classic coffee-can baking, perfect for gifting and sharing during the holiday season.
Crockpot Cheesy Potato Casserole with Beef
Crockpot Cheesy Potato Casserole with Ground Beef — Easy Comfort Food Dinner
Old-Fashioned Marshmallow Soft Popcorn Balls
Soft, chewy, and full of buttery marshmallow flavor, these old fashioned popcorn balls are a quick and cozy fall treat everyone will love.
🥧 Pumpkin Cobbler Recipe (Paula Deen–Inspired Pumpkin Buckle)
This pumpkin cobbler recipe is a Paula Deen Inspired fall favorite: a buttery, golden, no-stir dessert that tastes like a pumpkin coffee cake meets delicious, golden cobbler. It’s the perfect cozy bake for farmhouse kitchens everywhere! Pumpkin spice everything!
Fall Calving Season on the Ranch: Why F1 Cross Calves Are the Best of Both Worlds
Fall calving season brings new life to our ranch! See why F1 Angus-Hereford cross calves thrive with hybrid vigor, docile mamas, and plenty of pasture
Mini Pumpkin Patch Cheesecakes with Sugar Cookie Tops
These festive mini cheesecakes in cupcake liners feature a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy sour cream cheesecake filling, and a half-baked pumpkin patch sugar cookie pressed on top. They’re a spooky-cute treat for Halloween parties!
Pumpkin Patch Sugar Cookie Trifle with Cream Cheese (Easy No-Bake Dessert)
Layers of pudding, cream cheese, whipped topping, and adorable pumpkin cookies make this a kid-friendly fall dessert everyone will love.
Diced Ham & Swiss Sliders with Sweet Garlic Butter
Looking for the ultimate game day snack? These diced ham and swiss sliders with sweet garlic butter are cheesy, savory, and baked to golden perfection.